Djibouti Conservation

To conserve and increase awareness of biodiversity in Djibouti

Djibouti is a small arid country, which belongs to the
biogeographic region of the Horn of Africa. Various habitat types
including coastal grass plains, acacia bush land, barren mountain
areas, seasonal rivers and last patches of unique juniper forest are
home to a great diversity of fauna and flora. These include the endemic
Djibouti francolin (Francolinus ochropectus), the Beira antelope (Dorcatragus megalotis) and the Pelzeln's and
Soemmering's gazelles (Gazella dorcas pelzelni and Gazella soemmerringii). Until recently, knowledge about the distribution
and the status of most species in Djibouti, which could be used for
conservation measures, was lacking.

Habitats of the Beira antelope as well as of the endemic Djibouti francolin
are under threat. There are no conservation areas within Djibouti for
these species, and no curriculum exists in Djiboutian schools for
environmental education.

The occurrence of the Beira antelope in
Djibouti was confirmed by sightings, photographs and video in Southern
Djibouti in an area of 150 - 250 km², which does not
include any protected areas. The estimation of the current total
population remains difficult and varies from about 50 to 150 animals. The regularity and circumstances of the sightings suggest that
the species is rare but not endangered in Djibouti, at least at present. However, intensive livestock herding may result in grazing
competition and increase the risk of disease transmission
and permanent stress. These may even be intensified by local natural
disasters such as long lasting droughts as well as deforestation and
desertification. Even though hunting by local nomads and herdsmen does not seem a major threat, the settlement of refugees and political unrest might increase the risk of hunting. Further threats
could arise through uncontrolled tourism or regional
development. Also genetic isolation of metapopulations may result in
a decline of a viable populations.

An extremely rapid population decline has been observed in the Djibouti francolin,
exceeding 90% over the last 20 years. Consequently the species was
classified "Critically Endangered" by the IUCN. It is endemic to only an area of about
15 km² in the mountains of Djibouti. Recently
it was estimated to number 500-1000 individuals. The francolin is
thought to inhabit woodland dominated by juniper trees. This woodland
is in poor condition with a high proportion of trees dead or dying. The
reasons for this are unclear, but the high level of grazing by cattle,
camels and goats is certainly a cause,
possibly exacerbated by acid rain, climate change and fungal disease.
Other concerns include collection of firewood on lower slopes, hunting
and human disturbance.

A project has been set up in Djibouti with a view of
protecting habitat and native wildlife species, with a special focus on the endemic Djibouti francolin and antelope species such as the Beira antelope.

The project has the following goals:

To establish a curriculum for environmental education at schools in Djibouti.

To support the local conservation NGO “Djibouti Nature”.

To make the Beira antelope and the Djibouti
francolin as flagship species for their endangered habitats and
sympatric arid adapted species.

Field work is conducted to evaluate the current status
and distribution of the Beira and Djibouti francolin as well as threats to
these and sympatric species.

In order to promote environmental education programmes
for Djiboutian children, education material was/is being developed and
personnel training conducted. A pilot study is undertaken to evaluate
the material for its use in primary schools.